System for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) for pathogenic control, and for providing water-ozone solutions to a potato washer

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water for pathogenic control are described. The systems and methods generate an oxidation reduction potential that provides pathogenic control of the solution as well as pathogenic control of the surfaces with which the solution comes in immediate contact. In this invention, the system supplies the solution to a potato washer for cleansing and disinfecting potatoes in the potato washer.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application is a Continuation-in-Part Application of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/355,884 filed Nov. 18, 2016 entitled SYSTEMS ANDMETHODS FOR CREATING AN OXIDATION REDUCTION POTENTIAL (ORP) IN WATER FORPATHOGENIC CONTROL which is a Continuation-in-Part of U.S. applicationSer. No. 15/050,777 filed Feb. 23, 2016 entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FORCREATING AN OXIDATION REDUCTION POTENTIAL (ORP) IN WATER FOR PATHOGENICCONTROL which claims the benefit of U. S. Provisional Application Ser.No. 62/121,770 entitled SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING AN OXIDATIONREDUCTION POTENTIAL (ORP) IN WATER FOR PATHOGENIC CONTROL, all of whichare hereby incorporated by reference thereto to complete this inventionif necessary.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

This invention relates to improved systems and methods for creating anoxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water for pathogenic control andto provide the water/ozone solution to a potato washer.

Description of the Related Art

Water intended for potable use (e.g., drinking water), may containdisease-causing organisms, or pathogens, which can originate from thesource of the water, from resistance to water treatment techniques, fromimproper or ineffectual water treatment techniques, or so forth.Pathogens include various types of bacteria, viruses, protozoanparasites, and other organisms. To protect drinking water fromdisease-causing organisms, or pathogens, water suppliers often add adisinfectant, such as chlorine, to the water. However, disinfectionpractices can be ineffectual because certain microbial pathogens, suchas Cryptosporidium, are highly resistant to traditional disinfectionpractices. Also, disinfectants themselves can react withnaturally-occurring materials in the water to form byproducts, such astrihalomethanes and haloacetic acids, which may pose health risks.

A major challenge for water suppliers is how to control and limit therisks from pathogens and disinfection byproducts. It is important toprovide protection from pathogens while simultaneously minimizing healthrisks to the population from disinfection byproducts. Oxidationreduction potential (ORP) can be used for water system monitoring toreflect the antimicrobial potential of the water, without regard to thewater quality, with the benefit of a single-value measure of thedisinfection potential, showing the activity of the disinfectant ratherthan the applied dose.

In the prior art, potato washers of many designs have been provided. Inthose prior art potato washers, water or a water/chlorine solution issupplied to the potato washers. If only water is supplied to the potatoin the potato washers, the water will have no pathogenic effect. If thewater/chlorine solution is supplied to the potato washers, a residueamount of the chlorine may remain on the potatoes. Further, the areasaround the potato washers may suffer from the effects of the chlorine.

The co-pending applications represent improvements in the art. Theinstant application represents a further improvement in the art in thatthe water/ozone solutions from a plurality of systems are supplied to apotato washer with the water/ozone solution having the oxidationreduction potential (ORP) therein.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key aspects oressential aspects of the claimed subject matter. Moreover, this Summaryis not intended for use as an aid in determining the scope of theclaimed subject matter.

Systems and methods for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP)in water for pathogenic control are described. A system embodimentincludes an ozone generator, a water inlet, a venturi, and a wateroutlet. The venturi is positioned to receive ozone generated by theozone generator and to receive water from the water inlet, where theventuri provides mixing of the water and ozone to provide a water andozone solution having an ORP suitable for pathogenic control.

A plurality of the systems of this invention are mounted on a supportingwall with the outputs of the systems being fluidly connected together ina parallel manner to supply the water and ozone solution, having an ORPsuitable for pathogenic control, to a potato washer.

It is a principal object of the invention to provide improved systemsand methods for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in waterfor pathogenic control.

A further object of the invention is to entirely replace the use ofchlorine in all the processes performed within a facility such as fruitand vegetable handling facilities.

A further object of the invention is to provide a system designed toreduce the effects of the environmental damages caused by the corrosiveproperties of chlorine on the floors, walls and equipment within afacility such as fruit and vegetable handling facilities.

A further object of the invention is to provide a system wherein thewater and ozone solution produced by the system will not harm personscoming into contact with the water and ozone solution of this invention.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a water and ozonesolution which is a FDA approved antimicrobial agent and which has FDAapproval for contact with food or as a food additive.

A further object of the invention is to provide a system wherein awater/ozone solution is provided to a potato washer.

These and other objects will be apparent to those skilled in the art.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is described with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the use of the same reference numbers indifferent instances in the description and the figures may indicatesimilar or identical items.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a system for creating an oxidationreduction potential (ORP) in water for pathogenic control in accordancewith example implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a system for creating an oxidation reductionpotential (ORP) in water for pathogenic control in accordance withexample implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is a top view of a system for creating an oxidation reductionpotential (ORP) in water for pathogenic control in accordance withexample implementations of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a partial cross-sectional view of a flow control portion of asystem for creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water forpathogenic control, such as the system shown in FIG. 2 or 3;

FIG. 5 is a chart of relative oxidation strength of certain oxidizers;

FIG. 6 is a partial side view which illustrates one of the systems ofthis invention connected to a source of water under pressure;

FIG. 7 is a schematic of this instant invention; and

FIG. 8 is a partial perspective view illustrating the invention mountedon a wall to supply the water/ozone solution of this invention to aconventional potato washer.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

Embodiments are described more fully below with reference to theaccompanying figures, which form a part hereof and show, by way ofillustration, specific exemplary embodiments. These embodiments aredisclosed in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art topractice the invention. However, embodiments may be implemented in manydifferent forms and should not be construed as being limited to theembodiments set forth herein. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense in that the scope of thepresent invention is defined only by the appended claims.

An Oxidation reduction potential (ORP) value can be used for watersystem monitoring to reflect the antimicrobial potential of a givensample of water. ORP is measured in millivolts (mV), with typically nocorrection for solution temperature, where a positive voltage shows asolution attracting electrons (e.g., an oxidizing agent). For instance,chlorinated water will show a positive ORP value whereas sodium sulfite(a reducing agent) loses electrons and will show a negative ORP value.Similar to pH, ORP is not a measurement of concentration directly, butrather of activity level. In a solution of only one active component,ORP indicates concentration. The World Health Organization (WHO) adoptedan ORP standard for drinking water disinfection of 650 millivolts. Thatis, the WHO stated that when the oxidation-reduction potential in a bodyof water measures 650 (about ⅔ of a volt), the sanitizer in the water isactive enough to destroy harmful organisms almost instantaneously. Forexample E. coli, Salmonella, Listeria, and Staph pathogens have survivaltimes of under 30 seconds when the ORP is above 650 mV, comparedagainst >300 seconds when it is below 485 mV.

An example ORP sensor uses a small platinum surface to accumulate chargewithout reacting chemically. That charge is measured relative to thesolution, so the solution “ground” voltage comes from the referencejunction. For example, an ORP probe can be considered a millivolt meter,measuring the voltage across a circuit formed by a reference electrodeconstructed of silver wire (in effect, the negative pole of thecircuit), and a measuring electrode constructed of a platinum band (thepositive pole), with the water in-between.

Increasingly, microbial issues are commanding the attention of watertreatment operators, regulators, media, and consumers. There are manytreatment options to eliminate pathogenic microbes from drinking water.One such option includes ozone (O₃), an oxidizing agent approved fordrinking water treatment by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.For instance, ozone is one of the strongest disinfectants approved forpotable water treatment capable of inactivating bacteria, viruses,Giardia, and Cryptosporidium.

Accordingly, the present disclosure is directed to systems and methodsfor creating an oxidation reduction potential (ORP) in water forpathogenic control. An example system includes an ozone generator, awater inlet, a water outlet, and a venturi (e.g., a Venturi tube,venturi injector, etc.) coupled with each of the ozone generator, thewater inlet, and the water outlet. Such example system is configured tooutput water having an ORP of about 600 mV to about 800 mV, withparticular implementations being configured to output water having anORP of about 650 mV to about 750 mV to provide pathogenic control.Further, the present disclosure is also directed to a system wherein thewater and ozone solution is supplied to one or more wash-down stationsto enable the areas around the wash-down stations to be sprayed tocleanse those areas.

Example Implementations

Referring generally to FIGS. 1-3, a system 100 for creating an oxidationreduction potential (ORP) in water for pathogenic control is shown inaccordance with example implementations of the present disclosure. Asshown, the system 100 generally includes an ozone generator 102, a waterinlet 104, a water outlet 106, and a venturi 108 (e.g., a Venturi tube,venturi injector, etc.) coupled with each of the ozone generator 102,the water inlet 104, and the water outlet 106. The system 100 caninclude a housing 110 for receiving the water inlet 104 and the wateroutlet 106 and the venturi 108 there-between and for mounting the ozonegenerator 102. The housing 110 can include a removable cover portion 112which can enclose (e.g., when secured) and provide access to (e.g., whenremoved) the components housed in an interior portion 114 of the housing110. The removable cover portion 114 can be secured to the housing 110via one or more fasteners 116 (e.g., screws to mate with bores in thehousing 110). The housing 110 can further include coupling portions tocouple with a power source 118, a switch 120 to engage or disengagepower to the system 100, an indicator 122 (e.g., a light source), andthe like.

In implementations, the conventional ozone generator 102 includes acorona discharge tube configured to use oxygen from the surrounding airto generate ozone, such as through splitting of oxygen molecules in theair through electrical discharge caused by supplying power to adielectric material within the corona discharge tube. For example, theozone generator 102 can include an input port 124 to receive ambient airwithin the housing 110 into the ozone generator 102 to convert oxygenfrom the ambient air into ozone. The housing 110 can include an aperture126 to receive ambient air into the housing 110, such as when theremovable cover portion 112 is secured in place. In implementations, thepower source 118 can include a 120V power supply that is transformed viatransformer 128 suitable for applying the voltage to the dielectricwithin the corona discharge tube of the ozone generator 102. Forexample, the ozone generator 102 can be operated at 110 volts/60 Hz andhave an operating frequency of about 450 KHz and 550 KHz, with a powerrating of less than about 15 watts, and with a unit performance forelectrical consumption of about 32 watts. In implementations, the ozonegenerator 102 has an operating frequency of about 480 KHz. Further, theozone generator 102 can be provided according to ISO 9001 CE standards.The ozone generator 102 can produce from about 800 mg ozone per hour toabout 1200 mg ozone per hour. In implementations, the ozone generator102 produces about 1000 mg ozone per hour. The ozone generator 102 caninclude other methods and systems for generating ozone, including butnot limited to, electrochemical cells configured to generate ozone fromwater by placing an anode and a cathode in contact with opposite sidesof a proton exchange membrane (PEM), and supplying power to the cell,whereby water flowing over the surface of the anode breaks down intohydrogen atoms and oxygen atoms that assemble to form O₃ (ozone).

The system 100 can include one or more of a filter 125 (or dryer) and acompressor 127 in communication with the input port 124 via a coupling129 to filter and/or compress ambient air received by the ozonegenerator 102. For example, the compressor 127 can include a port toreceive ambient air (e.g., air within the interior region 114 of thehousing 110), whereby the filter 125 interacts with the air, which isthen introduced to the ozone generator 102 via the coupling 129 and theinput port 124. The filter 125 can dry the air received by thecompressor 127 by removing water vapor or moisture therefrom, where thewater could inhibit the production of ozone by the ozone generator 102.The pressure provided by the compressor 127 can vary depending on thewater pressure supplied to the system 100 via the water inlet 104, wherethe pressure applied by the compressor 127 can be balanced based on theflow rate of air received by the ozone generator 102 via the input port124 and the water pressure supplied to the system 100 via the waterinlet 104 to obtain a particular ORP of the water at the water outlet106. For example, in implementations, the compressor 127 can compressthe filtered air at least about 15 KPa (e.g., more particularly at apressure of 18 KPa or about 2.6 psi) to provide a gas throughput in theozone generator 102 of about 8 SCFH (standard cubic feet per hour),where the water pressure at the water inlet 104 is about 50 psi to 55psi (e.g., a reasonable rating for many residential and commercialfacilities), to provide an ORP in the water at the water outlet of atleast about 600 mV (e.g., about 600 mV to about 800 mV, moreparticularly about 650 mV to about 750 mV). At these pressures, theozone generator 102 has a residence time of the gas of about threeseconds. The pressure applied by the compressor 127 of the ozonegenerator 102 can affect the rate at which the gas flows through theozone generator 102, which can affect contact time of the air with thecomponents of the ozone generator 102, which can also affect mass gastransfer rates within the ozone generator 102.

In implementations, the system 100 can include a plurality of ozonegenerators 102. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, the system 100 includesa first ozone generator 102 a and a second ozone generator 102 b inseries with the first ozone generator 102 a. The first ozone generator102 a is supplied with power from a first transformer 128 a coupled withthe power source 118, whereas the second ozone generator 102 b issupplied with power from a second transformer 128 b also coupled withthe power source 118. Ambient air from within the housing 110 can bedrawn into the first ozone generator 102 a via the port 124 a (wheresuch air can be filtered and compressed), where fluids can besubsequently introduced to the second ozone generator 102 b in serieswith the first ozone generator 102 a via coupling 130. Inimplementations, the plurality of ozone generators 102 provides one ormore backup ozone generators 102 in case of malfunction or inoperabilityof one or more of the other ozone generators 102. Each ozone generator102 can include an operating life of about 10,000 working hours.

Referring to FIGS. 2-4, the venturi 108 can include an injector venturidesign (e.g., a “T” design), where the venturi 108 is coupled betweenthe water inlet 104 and the water outlet 106, and where ozone generatedby the ozone generator 102 is introduced to the venturi 108 throughanother port (e.g., port 132) positioned perpendicular to the flow pathof the water (from the water inlet 104 to the water outlet 106). Inimplementations, the venturi 108 is coupled to the ozone generator via acoupling 134 connected to port 132. During operation, the ozonegenerated by the ozone generator 102 is drawn into the venturi 108 andmixed with the water stream flowing from the water inlet 104 to thewater outlet 106. A pressure differential between the water inlet 104and the water outlet 106 is utilized to facilitate drawing the ozoneinto the venturi 108 and to facilitate mixing of the ozone and thewater. FIG. 4 provides a diagrammatic representation of ozone molecules136 mixing with water 138 (e.g., via vortex action) within the venturi108, and further mixing downstream from the port 132 toward the wateroutlet 106. In an implementation, a pressure differential greater than20 psi inlet over outlet (e.g., at least a 20 psi difference between thewater inlet 104 and the water outlet 106, with pressure higher at thewater inlet 104) is provided to generate negative suction in the venturi108 relative to the ozone generator 102 to thereby draw in the generatedozone through the port 132, while assuring the energy for water flow andpressure for operation of the venturi 108.

In implementations, in order to further increase effectiveness of themixing process delivered by the venturi 108, the water and ozonesolution passes through an in-line mixer 140 coupled between the venturi108 and the water outlet 106. The in-line mixer 140 can facilitatefurther breaking or mixing of ozone bubbles already introduced to thewater to generate a mixture (or solution) of water and substantiallyuniform-sized ozone bubbles. The small uniform-size ozone bubbles canadhere to each other to lower the surface tension of the water and ozonesolution. For example, water can have a surface tension of about 72Newtons (N), whereas the solution of water and substantiallyuniform-sized ozone bubbles can have a surface tension of about 58Newtons (N). In implementations, the in-line mixer 140 has an internaldiameter that equals an internal diameter of the output port of theventuri to which the in-line mixer 140 is coupled. The same internaldiameter can provide an uninterrupted transition of the fluid flowingfrom the venturi 108 to the in-line mixer 140, such as to maintain avortex action or mixing action of the water and the ozone bubbles. Thein-line mixer 140 also provides increased contact time between the waterand ozone bubbles and can facilitate preparation of uniform ozone bubblesize. In implementations, the in-line mixture 140 has a length of abouttwo inches downstream from the venturi 108, which can allow sufficienttime for the velocity of the vortex action caused by the pressuredifferential of the venturi 108 to crush the gaseous bubbles entrainedin the solution into uniformed size bubbles. The in-line mixer 140 canalso reintroduce undissolved gas back into the solution resulting inincreased efficiency as well as reduced off-gas at the point ofapplication. The in-line mixer 140 can include multiple chambers throughwhich the water and ozone solution flows. The size of the chambers canbe determined based on the water flow (e.g., throughput), gas mixing,and desired time exposure. In implementations, operation of the system100 produces a water stream at the water outlet 106 having a molarconcentration of ozone of at least 20%, or more particularly at least25%, far surpassing previous systems that have mass gas transfer ratesof less than 10%.

In implementations, the system 100 is an ultra-compact system (e.g.,8″×8″×4″ enclosure, 12″×12″×6″ enclosure, or the like) configured toprovide an ozone-rich water stream at a rate of about 3 gal/min, and cantreat water having inlet pressures of between 15 psi and 85 psi toprovide water having an ORP of between 650 mV and 750 mV to providepathogenic control without introduction of harsh treatment chemicals,such as chlorine. After operation of the system 100, the outputwater/ozone mixture can provide removal of organic and inorganiccompounds, can provide removal of micro-pollutants (e.g., pesticides),can provide enhancement of the flocculation/coagulation decantationprocess, can provide enhanced disinfection while reducing disinfectionby-products, can provide odor and taste elimination of the treatedwater, and so forth. The solubility of ozone in water is quite good,about 10 to 15 times greater than for oxygen under normal drinking watertreatment conditions. About 0.1 to 0.6 liters of ozone will dissolve inone liter of water. The size of the ozone gas bubble in the system 100can influence gas transfer characteristics. In implementations, theventuri 108 and in-line mixer 140 provide an ozone bubble size of about2 to about 3 microns. For instance, micro-bubbles can be produced viathe venturi 108, and/or sheared into uniformed micro-size bubbles as thesolution passed through the in-line mixer 140.

Corona discharge ozone can be used virtually anywhere, such as withportable implementations of the system 100. Since ozone is made on site,as needed and where needed, there is no need to ship, store, handle ordispose of it, nor any containers associated with shipping, storing,handling, and disposing a treatment chemical, as is the situation withmost chemicals utilized in water treatment.

The system 100 can provide indications pertaining to the operationstatus of the system 100, such as to ensure proper operation, or toprovide an indication regarding a need for adjustment, servicing, ormaintenance. For example, with general reference to FIGS. 1-4 in animplementation, the system 100 further includes a flow meter 142 coupledbetween the water inlet 104 and the water outlet 106. The flow meter 142is shown coupled between the water inlet 104 and the venturi 108,however in implementations, a flow meter 142 could be additionally oralternatively coupled between the venturi 108 and the water outlet 106.The flow meter 142 can be configured to provide an electric signalindicative of a flow of fluid through the system 100. For example, theflow meter 142 can include a mechanical flow meter, an electromagneticflow meter, a pressure-based flow meter, an optical flow meter, or thelike, configured to provide an electric signal indicative of a flow offluid (e.g., water) through the system 100. In implementations, the flowmeter 142 can include a solenoid-based flow detector, such as to avoidsignificant restriction of flow between the water inlet 104 and thewater outlet 106. The flow meter 142 can be configured to send thesignal to the indicator 122 that provides a visual, tactile, or audibleindication that the fluid (e.g., water) is flowing through the system100. In an implementation, the indicator 122 is a light source (e.g., anLED) configured to illuminate upon receiving a signal from the flowmeter 142. In an implementation, the indicator 122 is also coupled to asensor (e.g., a relay) configured to measure that a voltage is appliedto the ozone generator 102. When a proper voltage is applied to theozone generator 102, the sensor can send a signal to the indicator 122.In an implementation, the indicator will provide a visual, tactile, oraudible indication when each of the sensor and the flow meter 142provide their respective signals to the indicator 122. For example, thesystem 100 can include a relay 144 coupled to each of the power source118 and the flow meter 142. The relay 144 is configured to send anactivation signal to the indicator 122 when the power source 118 isproviding power to the ozone generator 102 and when the flow meter 142provides a signal regarding fluid flow through the system 100. In such aconfiguration, the indicator 122 can verify that the system 100 isoperating under design conditions (e.g., having an active flow of water,and having a sufficient power supply to the ozone generator 102).

The system 100 may be configured to provide multiple options for thedistribution of the solution of water and ozone provided at the wateroutlet 106. The system 100 includes a distribution line 148 whichextends from water outlet 106. The system 100 also includes a water line150 which extends from water inlet 104. Water line 150 is connected to awater line 152 by a tee-fitting 154. Water line 152 is connected to asource of water under pressure. The distribution line 148 is fluidlyconnected to the intake side of a pump 156.

The other end of water discharge line 158 is connected to a conventionalpotato washer 160. When pump 156 and the systems 100 are actuated, pump156 will deliver the water/ozone solution to the potato washer 160 byway of the line 158. Thus, the potatoes in the potato washer 160 will becleansed and disinfected with the water/ozone solution provided by thesystems 100. Thus, the system of this invention washes the potatoeswithout the need of chlorine. It should be understood that any number ofthe systems may be used. The drawings illustrate a plurality of systems100 being utilized. Further, in some cases, the pump 156 may not benecessary but it is preferred that a pump be used.

Although five systems 100 are shown, more or less systems 100 could beutilized. The usage of more than one system 100 being employed is toensure that an adequate volume of the water-ozone solution will beprovided to the wash-down line or lines. Thus, a system is provided tocleanse and disinfect potatoes with the water/ozone solution without theneed of a chorine solution.

In this particular implementation, the system 100 is mounted on theouter side of a wall 159 of an enclosure. A plurality of like systems100 are also mounted on the outer side of the wall 159 as seen in FIG.8. Each of the systems 100 depicted in FIG. 7 are connected to the waterline 152 by the water lines 150. Each of the water outlets 106 of thesystems 100 are connected to the intake side of the conventional pump156 by the water line 148. Pump 156 is preferably mounted on the outerside of the wall 159 as seen in FIG. 8.

Thus, when it is desired to supply the water/ozone solution to thepotato washer 160, the systems 100 are actuated and the pump 156 isactuated. The pump 156 will pump the water/ozone solution into thepotato washer 160.

In implementations, the system 100 can include an in-line ORP meterpositioned to measure the ORP of the water and ozone solution, such asadjacent the water outlet (e.g., within the housing 110, outside thehousing 110, etc.), coupled with the distribution line 146, or the like.The in-line ORP meter can be coupled with the relay 144, such that thein-line ORP meter provides a signal to the relay 144 upon detection of adesired ORP or range of ORPs (e.g., at least 600 mV, at least 650 mV,etc.). The relay 144 can then provide an activation signal to theindicator 122 upon proper functioning of the system 100 (e.g., when thepower source 118 is providing power to the ozone generator 102, when theflow meter 142 provides a signal regarding fluid flow through the system100, and when the in-line ORP meter detects a desired ORP of the waterand ozone solution generated by the system 100). When the indicator 122is not activated, this can provide an indication that a component orcomponents of the system 100 may need adjustment, servicing, ormaintenance. Alternatively, the system 100 can be configured to activatethe indicator 122 upon failure of one or more of the components of thesystem 100 (e.g., no power supplied to the ozone generator 102, no flowof water detected by the flow meter 142, or an undesired ORP detected bythe in-line ORP meter).

By providing an ORP of between 650 mV and 750 mV with the system, theoutput water can be utilized to destroy various pathogens, including,but not limited to, algae (e.g., blue-green), bacteria (e.g., Aeromonas& Actinomycetes, Bacillus, Campylobacters, Clostridium botulinum,Escherichia coli (E. coli), Flavobacterium, Helicobacter (pylori),Heterotrophic Bacteria, Legionella pneumophila, Micrococcus,Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Salmonella, Shigellashigellosis (dysentery), Staphylococcus sp, albus, aureus,Streptococcus, Vibrio: alginolyticus, anguillarium, parahemolyticus,Yersinia enterocolitica), fungi, molds, yeasts, mold spores, nematodes,protozoa (e.g., Acanthamoeba & Naegleria, Amoeboe Trophozoites,Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, Entamobea (histolytica), Giardia lamblia,Giardia muris, Microsporidium, N. gruberi), trematodes, viruses (e.g.,Adenovirus, Astrovirus, Callcivirus, Echovirus, Encephalomyocarditis,Enterovirus, coxsachie, poliovirus, Hepatitis A, B and C, Myxovirusinfluenza, Norwalk, Picobirnavirus, Reovirus, Rotavirus).

Water Treatment

Microbiological organisms/species can reside in water sources, includingwater intended for drinking recreation. Among the microbiologicalthreats is the protozoan parasite—cryptosporidium (crypto). Crypto canbe a particular challenge for the water treatment industry, however,ozone can eliminate it. Ozone, molecularly known as O₃, is a sanitizerand is relentless in its attack of organic microbes (bacteria, viruses,cysts, etc). Through a process known as lysing, ozone breaks down cellwalls or membranes, where it can then destroy the nucleus of themicrobe. In addition to sanitation, ozone can provide for the oxidizingof inorganic material that could be present in water, such as metals(e.g., iron and manganese). Although there are a few stronger oxidizers,ozone is the strongest that is readily available for commercial orresidential use. FIG. 6 provides a chart showing relative oxidizerstrength for a variety of oxidizers. As shown, ozone is about 1.5 timesstronger than chlorine, and can provide a faster oxidizing action.Furthermore, because of this higher oxidation strength, ozone does buildup a tolerance to microbes unlike other sanitizers, such as chlorine.Within the microbial world protozoa, such as crypto, are some of themost resistant to all types of disinfectants. One reason for thisresistance is due to its hard outer protective shell, which must bebroken through prior to the microbe being inactivated. Crypto can causea variety of ailments, including abdominal cramping, diarrhea, fever andnausea that can last as long as a month, according to the Centers forDisease Control and Prevention (CDC). Disinfectants used to ward offcryptosporidium for water treatment applications can include chlorine(liquid state), chloramines, chlorine-dioxide (gaseous state), andozone. However, their ability to perform this inactivation duty shouldnot be regarded equal, as each sanitizer requires a specific level ofconcentration and contact time to take effect, as described by thefollowing.

To better determine the specific amount of the disinfectant required toinactivate or destroy a microbe, the Environmental Protection Agency(EPA) has determined Ct Values. These Ct Values are the product of thedisinfectant's concentration (C, expressed in mg/L) and the contact time(t, expressed in minutes). These Ct Values are calculated specificallyto the percentage of microbial kill or better known as the logreduction, e.g. 1-Log=90.0 percent, 2-Log=99.0 percent or 3-Log=99.9percent inactivation of the particular microbe. According to the EPA,chlorine dioxide would require a Ct of 226, which would correlate to 226mg/L, at one minute of contact time, at 25° C. to achieve a 3-Logreduction or 99.9 percent inactivation. Although, ozone would onlyrequire a Ct of 7.4, correlating to 7.4 mg/L, to achieve the same 99.9percent inactivation with the same parameters as chlorine dioxide. Ct isa product of concentration and time, and as such, both can bemanipulated, as long as the given Ct Value is obtained for the desiredlog reduction (e.g. Ozone Ct of 7.4 can be achieved with a concentration3.7 mg/L for two minutes of time).

Cryptosporidium outbreaks in public drinking waters and recreationalswimming pools are becoming more and more of an evident issue.Unfortunately, forms of chlorine sanitation are not often the bestsolution, especially for high organic and inorganic contaminant levels,as they will create chlorine oxidation by-products, such astrihalomethanes (THM) and chloramine derivatives. These by-products arethe typical cause of (what most associate as being over chlorinated) thechlorine smell in drinking or pool waters, and are the cause of itchy,smelly skin and burning eyes in pool water. Although with a properlysized system, ozone can be used as the primary sanitizing and oxidizingagent, oxidizing the contaminants completely. Using ozone in this mannerwould then allow chlorine to be used as the secondary residual sanitizerto satisfy regulatory requirements, without the production ofchloramines and chlorine's side effects.

Further, ozone can be used to remove iron and manganese from water,forming a precipitate that can be filtered:2Fe²⁺+O₃+5H₂O→2Fe(OH)₃(s)+O₂+4H⁺2Mn²⁺+2O₃+4H₂O→2MN(OH)₂(s)+2O₂+4H⁺

Ozone will also reduce dissolved hydrogen sulfide in water to sulfurousacid:3O₃+H₂S→3H₂SO₃+3O₂

The reactions involved iron, manganese, and hydrogen sulfide can beespecially important in the use of ozone-based well water treatment.Further, ozone will also detoxify cyanides by converting the cyanides tocyanates (on the order of 1,000 times less toxic):CN⁻+O₃→CNO^(−+O) ₂

Ozone will also completely decompose urea, where recent outbreaks ofE-coli in lettuce have been impacted by urea:(NH₂)₂CO+O₃→N₂+CO₂+2H₂O

Thus it can be seen that the invention accomplishes at least all of itsstated objectives.

Although the invention has been described in language that is specificto certain structures and methodological steps, it is to be understoodthat the invention defined in the appended claims is not necessarilylimited to the specific structures and/or steps described. Rather, thespecific aspects and steps are described as forms of implementing theclaimed invention. Since many embodiments of the invention can bepracticed without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention,the invention resides in the claims hereinafter appended.

I claim:
 1. A pathogenic control system, comprising: a plurality ofhousings; each of said housings containing: (a) an ozone generatorconfigured to generate ozone; (b) a water inlet configured to receivewater from a water source; (c) a venturi, having an inlet port and adischarge port, coupled with the water source to receive water withinsaid venturi, said venturi also coupled with said ozone generator andconfigured to introduce ozone generated by said ozone generator to waterreceived at said water inlet to provide a water and ozone solutionhaving an ORP of at least 600 millivolts; (d) a water outlet coupledwith said venturi, said water outlet having a fluid pressure of thewater and ozone solution less than a fluid pressure of water received atsaid water inlet; a pump spaced from said housings and which has anintake side and a discharge side; said water outlets of said housingsbeing fluidly connected to said intake side of said pump; said wateroutlets of said housings being fluidly connected to said pump in aparallel manner; and a potato washer spaced from said housings with thepotato washer which has a fluid inlet in fluid communication with saiddischarge side of said pump.
 2. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising: an in-line mixer coupled between the venturi and the wateroutlet, the inline mixer configured to provide contact time between theozone and the water during a vortex generated by the venturi.
 3. Thesystem of claim 2, wherein said in-line mixer includes an internaldiameter that is the same as the internal diameter of said outlet portof said venturi to which said in-line mixer is coupled.
 4. The system ofclaim 1, wherein said ozone generator includes a corona discharge tube.5. The system of claim 1, further comprising: a compressor coupled tosaid input port of said ozone generator, said compressor configured toreceive ambient air and apply a pressure to the ambient air; and afilter positioned to filter the received ambient air.
 6. The system ofclaim 5, wherein said filter is configured to absorb at least a portionof water vapor from the received ambient air.
 7. The system of claim 5,wherein said compressor is configured to apply a pressure to thereceived ambient air of at least 15 KPa.
 8. The system of claim 1,wherein the water and ozone solution has a molar concentration of ozoneof at least twenty percent.
 9. The system of claim 1, furthercomprising: a flow meter coupled between said water inlet and said wateroutlet, said flow meter positioned and configured to detect a flow ofwater received from the water source.
 10. The system of claim 9, furthercomprising: an indicator coupled with said flow meter, said indicatorconfigured to receive a signal upon detection by said flow meter of theflow of water and provide an indication in response thereto.
 11. Thesystem of claim 10, wherein said indicator includes a light source. 12.The system of claim 10, further comprising: a power source coupled withsaid ozone generator to provide power to generate ozone; and a relaycoupled to each of said power source, said flow meter, and saidindicator, said relay configured to provide an activation signal to saidindicator upon receipt of a signal from each of said power source andsaid flow meter.
 13. The system of claim 1, wherein the water and ozonesolution has an ORP of at least 650 millivolts.